One of our team’s missions is to improve Alaskan youth literacy—which the University of Alaska has noted as being a common barricade for college-bound students. Alaska has an 11% illiteracy rate and has ranked the lowest state in the nation in 4th grade literacy for 2 years in a row. Our team members believe we can help fix it. Our Literacy Initiative focuses on the following:
Riley Robot Book Project: We have written and illustrated a set of children’s book about Riley Robot and his adventures in space for presentation to primary schools and family groups. We have also translated these books into multiple languages and are developing educational materials to accompany the books. It is our hope to use this project to show both the joys of robots and reading.
Reading Rendezvous: Did you know that 60% of students lose school skills during the summer? The Anchorage Public Library has a mission to change that by encouraging youth participation in libraries over the summer. They kick this summer campaign off each year with the a massive fair-like celebration with the ZJ Loussac Library. Our team provides activities, access to our children’s book, and robot demos.
Barnes and Noble Events: We take advantage of as many Barnes and Noble events as possible, including read alouds and their annual Mini Maker Faire.
